What’s new in 2026
The Effective Support for Children and Families guidance has been updated for February 2026, building on the June 2024 version. This refreshed guidance strengthens our shared understanding of children’s needs, clarifies expectations across all levels of support, and makes it easier for practitioners to access tools and make informed decisions.
The updated document is visually redesigned to support quicker navigation with a clearer, more streamlined layout, use of QR codes and hyperlinks throughout to direct practitioners to updated resources, toolkits, policies, and contact numbers. New ‘Things to consider’ guidance sections provide strengthened practitioner support across child exploitation, domestic abuse, child sexual abuse and pre‑birth, offering a valuable new resource for professionals.
Click here to access the new Effective Support for Children and Families document
Why it matters
- Staff can access tools faster and follow processes with less ambiguity.
- The guidance is more user‑friendly for frontline practitioners needing quick reference.
The 2026 Effective Support guidance strengthens:
✔ Shared language across agencies
✔ Clarity on thresholds and decision‑making
✔ Expectations for joint working
✔ Ability to identify and respond to risk earlier
✔ Access to updated tools and resources
This key document aims to ensure children and families receive the right support, at the right time, in the right way.
